FAQ NJ Traffic Offenses

First, see if your ticket requires you to appear in court. If it does NOT, you have two options: plead guilty and pay your fine or plead not guilty and fight the ticket in court.

Pleading guilty and paying charges is more common than trying to prove innocence in court―especially because in New Jersey you have the option of paying online through the online payment system for traffic ticket fines and related surcharges.

Contesting your ticket in court be the better option if you believe you were treated unfairly.

Is there any way to get a traffic ticket dismissed in New Jersey?

The only way to dismiss your ticket is to challenge the ticket and win your case in court. NJ courts will not dismiss tickets for attending any kind of defensive driving course.

When should I hire a traffic ticket attorney?

No matter the situation, if you are not comfortable or feel you don’t understand your case well enough, speak with a traffic ticket attorney.

Benefits of hiring a traffic ticket attorney:

Prepare your case

Speak up for you in court

Negotiate a plea agreement with lesser penalties.

File an appeal

Why should I order a driving record?

Order a copy of your driving record if you need to confirm any of the following after a traffic offense:

The points from your record have been removed after you completed a defensive driving, DIP, or PDP course.

No additional points have been added to your record than the number applicable to your violation if you plead or are found guilty.

No points were added to your record if you’re found not guilty

How do I know the cost of my traffic ticket?

This varies depending on the violation. Check your traffic ticket for your specific fine and understand that other fees affect your total costs. For example, you’ll have to pay court costs and related surcharges.

How can a defensive driving course affect the number of driver’s license points on my driving record?

If you complete a state-approved course, the MVC will deduct 2 points from your driving record. However, you can only enroll once every 5 years.

It is possible to get 3 points taken off, depending on your situation. If you are a driver accumulating a lot of points, a Driver Improvement Program (DIP) or Probationary Driver Program (PDP) can help you get rid of 3 points instead of 2.

How many points will I get if I am found guilty?

The number of points you’ll receive depends on the violation. You can receive anywhere between two and five points. The seriousness of the violation determines how many points.

Are traffic ticket fines the same throughout the state?

Yes. They vary by violation, but each violation’s cost is the same throughout the state.

Can I find a lost traffic ticket online?

It’s not likely. To locate your ticket online you need the following information: court identification, ticket prefix and ticket number. If you do not have your ticket to give you this information, you will not be able to view it online.

How many driving record points can I accumulate before the state suspends my driver’s license?

In New Jersey you can accumulate 12 points before suspension. However, it is sometimes possible to enroll in the Driver Improvement Program (DIP) in lieu of suspension.

Our Firm

Thomas V. Campo has been studying the law since 1990. With over 20 years of experience in criminal law, Tom has worked in a multitude of superior and municipal courts and has in depth knowledge on a wide array of criminal and traffic offenses including driving while intoxicated, drug distribution and possession, and aggravated assault.